The annual National Student Ophthalmology Conference (NSOC) will return for its third year running, from 09:00–16:00 on Sunday, March 24th, in a virtual setting.
This year, NSOC is the collaborative effort of students from eighteen universities across the UK and the Republic of Ireland – our largest number ever! Students, doctors and all eye-enthusiasts, join us as we focus on ‘Ophthalmology Beyond Boundaries: Insights into global ophthalmic challenges and their solutions’, the theme for 2024.
We will be featuring exciting talks from specialty-trainee doctors to consultants and beyond, and are thrilled to be joined by speakers from all corners of the Earth. We’ll push borders in a domestic setting, such as with the capabilities of artificial intelligence and its impact on teaching, as well as considering the impact of similar developments on far-flung communities on the other side of the globe. Delving into subspecialties of ophthalmology, we will also discuss how to pursue a career in this field, focusing especially on cultivating a good portfolio – a must-hear talk for all budding-ophthalmologists.
Our speakers include Associate Professor Angus Turner at the University of West Australia, Dr Pranesh Balasubramaniam from Moorfields Eye Hospital, Dr Sean Zhou from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and Dr Andrew Pyott, from Inverness, Scotland, amongst many others.
Most excitedly, we are excited to share the results of the third annual NSOC Abstract Competition! On the day we will review research posters and oral presentations from abstract submissions received over the last months, showcasing the cutting-edge research that medical students have been involved in. We are also very excited to be hosting, for the first time ever, the NSOC Art Competition! Medical students from across the globe have demonstrated their creative prowess with an array of insightful and thought-provoking submissions. Submissions for both competitions will be shared on the day with an expert panel determining the prize-winning pieces.
Whether you have submitted a piece or not, this provides an excellent opportunity to engage with the project creators through a Q&A session, as well as to read over interesting research and fascinating artwork.
Lastly, we will also be hosting a virtual ‘follow-along’ ophthalmology surgical-skills workshop led by specialist ophthalmic surgeons to give you expert insights into the technical skills required for surgery, a not-miss event!
To register, please use the link below. Attendance is completely free, however a donation to our partnered charity, Guide Dogs for the Blind, would be greatly appreciated.
Registration link: https://app.medall.org/event-listings/the-national-student-ophthalmology-conference-2024
Attendance fee: Free for all
9:00 – 9:05 Welcome
9:05 – 9:15 Opening remarks
9:15 – 9:45 Lecture 1 – Dr Andrew Pyott - From the point of view of the planet, how Sustainable are Modern Cataract Services?
9:45 – 10:15 Lecture 2 – Dr Haider Manzar - Applying for Ophthalmology: prepping the portfolio
10:15 – 10:45 Lecture 3 – Dr Obaid Kousha – The Arclight Project and Global Eye Health
10:45 – 11:00 Break 1
11:00 – 11:15 Sponsor talk – Guide Dogs UK
11:15 – 11:45 Lecture 4 – Dr Sean Zhou - Digital education in Ophthalmology, what does the future hold?
11:45 – 12:15 Lecture 5 – Associate Professor Angus Turner - The Pilbara Challenge
12:15 – 12:25 Sponsor talk – The MDU
12:25 – 1:15 Lunch break
1:15 – 1:45 Lecture 6 – Dr Pranesh Balasubramaniam - Ophthalmology Sans Frontieres
1:45 – 2:15 Lecture 7 – Dr Paul Cauchi - Ophthalmic Imaging and harnessing it's potential
2:15 – 3:05 Competition oral presentations
3:05 – 3:45 Ophthalmology surgical skills workshop – Dr Ahmed Elshahat
3:45 – 3:55 Awards presentation
3:55 – 4:00 Closing remarks
